How Tip-Off Reporting Works on the MySAPS App

The South African Police Service (SAPS) mobile app enables citizens to report criminal activities, locate nearby police stations, and check wanted persons lists. When reporting a crime tip-off, users must choose how they want to submit their information.

Because system privacy protocols prevent simultaneous full anonymity and active messaging, you must choose either Anonymous or Communicate for each individual submission.

Option 1: Reporting Anonymously

When you choose to remain Anonymous, privacy is prioritized at the system level.

Key Features of Anonymous Reporting

• Zero Personal Information Sent: Even if you filled out the “My Profile” section in the app, that data is blocked from being transmitted with your tip-off.
• No Direct In-App Contact: Crime Stop call center agents cannot contact you, ask follow-up questions, or send push notifications.
• Reference Number Tracking: The app generates a unique reference number (e.g., REF00XXX/2026) upon submission. You must save this reference number if you wish to check progress or upload additional evidence later.
• Manual Updates: To submit new information on an anonymous report, you go to My History, select Submit Additional Information, and enter your reference number.

Option 2: The “Communicate” Option

Selecting Communicate enables two-way interaction between you and the investigative team while maintaining high confidentiality.

Key Features of the Communicate Option

• Two-Way Interaction: Crime Stop agents can send follow-up questions, request additional detail, or notify you of updates regarding your tip-off.
• Masked Contact Details: To protect tipsters, Crime Stop agents do not see your unmasked phone number or email address. Instead, contact details are masked (e.g., ******2994 or *****@gmail.com).
• In-App & SMS Notifications: You receive alerts directly on your device when an agent responds or requests clarification.
• Strict Confidentiality: Tip-offs are handled centrally by the Crime Stop Call Centre. Information is analyzed and escalated to relevant investigating units without exposing reporter identities.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Option Should You Choose?

Select “Anonymous” If:

• You face severe safety risks and want zero digital link between your device profile and the tip-off.
• You are providing a one-off piece of actionable information (such as an address or suspect location) that does not require further clarification.
• You prefer to manage follow-ups manually using a reference number.

Select “Communicate” If:

• You are willing to assist investigators with ongoing clarification or additional evidence (photos, documents, or video clips).
• You want real-time notifications on the progress of the tip-off.
• You want a convenient way to send extra details without having to re-enter reference codes manually.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main difference between reporting anonymously and choosing “Communicate”?

Reporting anonymously ensures no profile details are sent to SAPS, meaning agents cannot send you follow-up messages or notifications. Choosing “Communicate” allows Crime Stop agents to interact with you via app notifications, SMS, or email while keeping your contact details masked for privacy.

2. If I select “Communicate,” will police officers see my full phone number and identity?

No. All tip-offs are routed through the central Crime Stop Call Centre, where information is kept strictly confidential. Call centre agents only see masked details (such as the last four digits of your phone number). Your full contact information is not broadcast to local station officers or the public.

3. Why can’t I select both “Anonymous” and “Communicate” at the same time?

To protect tipster privacy, the app enforces a structural division: active notification and messaging require a designated channel to route replies to your device. Allowing communications requires associating a digital token with your submission, which conflicts with pure system anonymity.

4. How do I follow up on an anonymous tip-off without revealing my identity?

When you submit an anonymous tip-off, the app displays a unique reference number. Keep a record of this number. You can call the Crime Stop Call Centre at 08600 10111 and quote your reference number, or use the “Submit Additional Information” feature in the app to attach updates to that same case reference.

5. Do I have to complete the “My Profile” section to use the MySAPS app?

No, completing “My Profile” is optional. You can skip profile setup during installation. If you choose “Communicate” without a completed profile, SAPS will still be able to communicate with your device through the application’s secure messaging service.

6. Do I need mobile data to submit a tip-off through the MySAPS app?

Yes, using the MySAPS smartphone application requires an active internet connection (mobile data or Wi-Fi). If you do not have mobile data, you can submit crime tips for free via the USSD string code *134*10111# from any mobile phone.

7. Who receives and processes tip-offs submitted through the app?

All tip-offs go directly to the national Crime Stop Call Centre, which is staffed 24/7 by trained investigative interviewers. Agents evaluate the information, open an enquiry, and forward actionable details to the appropriate SAPS specialized units or local police stations for investigation.